NEW YORK (AP) – Tod “Doc” Mishler spent years rambling across the country on horseback in a white cowboy hat, staying with strangers and telling curious reporters that he was on a mission to raise awareness about child hunger.
Now he has a new mission: Trying to get his two horses back after officials in New York City accused him of neglecting the animals.
The 80-year-old, Bible-quoting horseman recently filed a legal claim demanding $50 million from the city for the horses, which were seized in June after Mishler rode one across the Outerbridge Crossing while pulling along the second one. The bridge connects Staten Island to New Jersey.
Mishler was initially given tickets for blocking traffic and trespassing, but after veterinarians from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals examined the horses, he was arrested and charged with two counts of animal cruelty. The veterinarians said the horses were malnourished, dehydrated and had open saddle sores.
The case is still pending, but Mishler, currently staying at a ranch near Richmond, Virginia, isn’t waiting for the criminal case to wrap up. He insists the animals were fine and he’s done nothing wrong.